Ryan Wendell

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Nate Solder was recruited as a tight end by the University of Colorado and played the position during his first season there.

Solder caught three passes for 50 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2007. When he returned the next year, a bulked-up Solder moved to offensive tackle and he's never looked back. He eventually became a first-round pick by the Patriots and has emerged as a solid NFL player.

But his past as a pass catcher was part of the Patriots' playbook. After four years in the NFL, Solder had a pass thrown his way, and it resulted in a touchdown in the biggest game of the season for the Patriots.

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